Jess Teesdale
Bass · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“Today I rise to honour Professor Richard Scolyer ATO, a remarkable Australian and a deeply loved son of Tasmania. I didn't have the privilege of knowing Richard personally, but seeing how all of those who were able to interact with him throughout his life have reacted to his passing tells me that he was a truly great man.”
“Even as his work took him to Sydney, to hospitals, laboratories and research institutions across the world, he remained proudly connected to our beautiful state, proudly connected to home. That connection was seen clearly at Bridgnorth Football Club, a club tied to his family for generations. Richard was their no. 1 ticket holder.”
“Through his work with Professor Georgina Long and Melanoma Institute Australia, he helped to transform melanoma treatment. Advanced melanoma, once so often a death sentence, particularly in Tasmania, where we have the highest rates across the country, became survivable for many more people because of the work and the science that he helpe…”
“He shared that journey with honesty and generosity, not because that made it easier and not because it would take away the fear but because he knew that what he learnt from his treatment might help the next patient, the next family, hopefully even the next breakthrough. That is courage and that is service and that is love in action.”
“We are really proud that one of our own has managed to change the world, and may we honour him by continuing to back science, support medical research, care for each other and, as Richard would say, always giving it a crack. I commend this motion to the House.”
“Barriers such as limited transport, skills gaps, caring responsibilities, disability, health challenges or long periods out of the workforce can make it much harder for people in regional communities to find secure employment. Across Australia around 1.7 million people are not working but would like to be.”
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“We had three bulk-billing clinics across Bass when I first started; now, we have 13. That is changing lives. That's why these investments in our local health care matter. Our Launceston urgent care clinic is the busiest in the country. It's seen over 60,000 people. Half of those 60,000 people have identified that they would have gone to the emergency department if their urgent care clinic hadn't been there. They've walked through those doors and they've received exceptional and free care, and they've done that without adding pressure to our emergency departments—which, in Tasmania, are really struggling. The budget continues to support projects like the Northern Heart Centre. For families in Tasmania it will mean better access to specialist care closer to home. They will not have to travel to the mainland; that is huge.”
“The businesses across Dorset continuously tell me that they struggle to attract and retain workers. The Flinders Council can't find people because they have nowhere to put them; there is nowhere to house them because people simply cannot find somewhere affordable to live. When people cannot live where they work, the whole community is impacted by it. Health care is another area where this budget makes important investments. People in Northern Tasmania deserve access to quality health care close to home. We know that too many Tasmanians have had to travel interstate for treatment, spending time away from their families—or they might sit on waiting lists, wondering when help will come. That's why these investments in Medicare that we continue to make are important for Tasmania. It's why continuing to strengthen bulk-billing matters.”
“People are working hard and saving carefully, and many are still wondering whether they'll ever be able to buy a house in the community they grew up in—the community where their family is, where their friends are. That matters because housing is more important than bricks and mortar. It's security. It's stability. It's putting down roots and building a future, and having the confidence that you can plan for a family in that place. This budget takes practical steps to make that easier for them. It continues support for first home buyers through the five per cent deposit scheme, it invests in the roads, water and infrastructure that allows more homes to be built and it continues work to increase supply—because if we want housing to become more affordable we must have more homes. Housing is also an economic issue.”
“Two weeks ago, almost to the minute, I sat in this chamber for my first budget as the member for Bass. I remember sitting here thinking about the people back home in Northern Tasmania and what this budget would mean for them—the young family trying to save for a first home, the apprentice wondering what opportunities might be there when they finish training, the person who may have been putting off a trip to the doctor in regional Tasmania because money is tight, perhaps a small-business owner trying to attract workers while dealing with housing shortages and rising costs in our remote communities. Budgets are full of numbers, but those numbers only matter if they make a difference to people's lives. This budget is about doing exactly that. Housing is one of the biggest challenges facing Northern Tasmania; I hear it constantly.”
“My question is to the Prime Minister. How will the Albanese Labor government's budget help ease cost-of-living pressures, help younger Australians get into their own home and make our economy more resilient for future generations?”
“My question is to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. How is the Albanese Labor government helping our farmers, fishers and producers to manage the impacts of conflict in the Middle East and to continue producing food for millions of Australians and our international neighbours?”
“My question is to the Minister for Education. How is the Albanese Labor government progressing on its reforms to make the university system better and fairer for students? How does this compare with other approaches?”
“When I return to the story I began with, I think about the waiting, the uncertainty—that distance between need and help. A simple text could have changed that experience for me completely. Being able to make a call when you need to is not a luxury anymore. It is a baseline expectation in a modern nation. This bill updates our laws to reflect that expectation. I commend this bill to the House.”
“That power does need to be used carefully and transparently, because exemptions that are too broad would undermine the entire purpose of this reform. But, done properly, it provides a practical way to deal with genuinely exceptional situations without abandoning the national objective. Finally, this bill did not appear overnight. It followed consultation with industry, consumer groups and regional stakeholders, and it sits in a longer story of reviews calling for the universal service framework to be updated and made technology neutral. It is a response to what Australians have been telling us for years—that mobile is the real lifeline now, particularly outside the major cities, and that government has a responsibility to ensure baseline access is delivered fairly.”
“I also want to note that the framework is designed to evolve. While the designated services at commencement are voice and SMS, the legislation allows additional kinds of designated mobile telecommunications services to be added over time, following consultation and consideration of technical readiness, market conditions and consumer impacts. That matters because what Australians need from mobile connectivity will continue to change, and we cannot lock ourselves into a model that cannot adapt. The bill also allows the minister to specify circumstances where it is not reasonable to make that coverage available and to identify matters that must or must not be considered when assessing reasonableness.”
“As voice becomes available outdoors under the UOMO, that emergency framework will still apply. The principle is simple. Baseline outdoor connectivity expands the footprints of safety. It increases resilience. It gives Australians another way to reach help when they are outside tower coverage. Regional telecommunications have been a recurring focus of this parliament for a reason. We know the business case is harder when population density is low. We know market forces alone do not always deliver equity, and that is another reason this bill matters. It makes baseline outdoor connectivity a matter of national expectation. It modernises an outdated framework to match the way Australians actually communicate. And it does it with enforceable obligations, with standards and benchmarks and with the ability to adapt as that technology evolves.”
“It is a complement and a potential way to fill the gaps, and those gaps at the moment are enormous. If this policy delivers what it is designed to deliver, it will extend basic outdoor voice and SMS coverage across huge areas of Australia that have never had it. This is also about emergency readiness. We are living through more frequent and more intense natural disasters—floods, bushfires, cyclones, severe storms. In those moments, communications becomes critical infrastructure. People need warnings. They need to contact emergency services, they need to reach loved ones, and they need to ask for help. The bill does not rewrite the emergency recall rules, because those rules already exist. Providers of public mobile telecommunications services must provide access to triple zero under the Emergency Call Service Determination.”
“I understand scrutiny concerns about delegated powers, but parliament always should watch closely when substantial detail is set through these sorts of instruments. There's an area of fast changing technology. The bill puts core obligation in primary law then allows technical detail to be adjusted transparently and over time with consultation and with parliamentary oversight through disallowance. The reforming technology is neutral. It does not dictate the network architecture. It expects providers to use their existing terrestrial infrastructure where it exists and to use direct-to-device satellite connectivity outside that terrestrial coverage. Direct to device means a mobile phone potentially communicating directly with low Earth orbit satellites. It is not a replacement for towers.”
“If there are problems with mobile service quality, accessibility or consumer outcomes, the framework allows standards to be developed and enforced ahead of the default start date. The UOMO has the default start date of 1 December 2027. It's a clear signal to industry and a clear promise to the public. The bill also includes flexibility, so the obligation can be adapted as the market develops. The start date can be brought forward when the market is ready. It can also be postponed in 12-month steps up to three times if there are genuine readiness constraints. It means that we're not moving forward if it is not ready. The obligation itself can be divided. For example, voice and SMS can be separated if that is required to get services working sooner and more reliably.”
“It provides for standards and benchmarks that providers must meet, including the ability to deal with the terms and conditions of supply, including matters related to price. And this is a crucial safeguard. It means universality can be made real in practice, and not just on a coverage map. The bill has one schedule in two parts. Part 1 inserts the UOMO into the existing universal services regime and creates the supporting powers to set UOMO-specific standards, benchmarks and rules. Part 2 will help to create a separate framework for standards, benchmarks and rules for mobile telecommunications services more broadly, even before the UOMO starts. And that second part really does matter. It means we are not powerless between now and the commencement date.”
“It sets honest expectations and keeps the obligation focused on what is achievable as that technology matures. 'Reasonably available' is a practical test. It recognises that there will be technical limitations, temporary outages and consumer choices about whether they have a compatible handset or plan. But it also sets a clear expectation that basic services should work outdoors, in places where it is reasonable to expect them to work. 'On an equitable basis' matters too, because equity is not just about geography; it's about who can access the service. Stakeholders have raised concerns that new satellite-enabled services could cost more and that affordability could become a barrier for regional and remote Australians and for vulnerable consumers. This bill gives the government tools to actually address that.”
“This bill designates that Telstra, Optus and TPG will be the initial primary universal outdoor mobile providers. They will carry that obligation from day one. The regulator, ACMA, will be responsible for ensuring compliance and taking enforcement action where necessary. The bill also explains what we mean by 'coverage'. Coverage is about whether an end-user who is outdoors at a particular location can use that service, and 'the outdoors' does have to be defined carefully. It is 'outdoors' as we would understand it: not inside buildings; not underground; certainly not underwater. At this stage, it does not assume service inside vehicles or aircraft, because current direct-to-device technology depends on line of sight to the sky. But that clarity is important.”
“In many households, particularly in regional and remote communities, they are actually the only device. So this bill modernises our universal services framework to reflect that reality. It establishes a universal outdoor mobile obligation, the UOMO. It brings mobile voice and SMS services into the public interest telecommunications services framework by amending the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999, with supporting amendments to the Telecommunications Act 1997 and the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. But, at its core, the UOMO requires that designated mobile telecommunications services—initially, starting with voice and SMS—are reasonably available outdoors to all people in Australia on an equitable basis.”
“And that is why this bill matters: because, when something goes wrong in remote Australia, every minute matters, and no Australian should be placed at greater risk because they happen to be outside terrestrial mobile coverage. Access to telecommunications is no longer optional. It underpins public safety, it underpins participation in our economy and it underpins connection to family, services and community. Yet our universal services framework still reflects a different era. For decades, the universal service obligation has focused on fixed voice services and payphones. That made sense when landlines were the dominant form of communication, but Australia has changed. Mobile phones are now the primary device for communication for most Australians.”
“In remote Australia, you plan carefully, because help is often very far away. You tell people when you expect to arrive. You map out your route. And you think ahead. You assume somebody will come along eventually. You assume that, when you do not arrive, somebody will raise the alarm. But assumptions do not shorten distances. It was three days before someone found us—three days. We were lucky: it was not a crash, we had food and water and the weather held. But I often think about how different that story could have been if a simple text message had been possible; if one call could have been made; if reassurance could have been given to my family.”
“Crossings like Blyth River Crossing and Cahills Crossing had to be timed really carefully. You watched the tide, you checked the depth and you made sure that your vehicle was ready, that the car was serviced, that there was food and water, and that the satellite phone was charged. But on the return trip to Ramingining, about halfway between Gunbalanya and Maningrida, the car broke down—not in a river, and thankfully not in a tidal river, but on a bend in the road. In remote Australia, this is never a good thing. Still, we were calm. We had supplies. We had a satphone; we would call for help—except the credit had expired the day before. At that time, you actually could not recharge your credit from the handset itself—unbelievable. There was no mobile coverage, no satellite credit and no way to call.”
“In this place we pass many bills. Each one matters. Each one has purpose. Some will adjust regulatory settings. Some will refine systems. Some improve programs in ways that are important but not always immediately visible to the public. Occasionally, legislation comes before us that will be felt in a very direct way. This is one of those bills, because the ability to make a call or send a text anywhere in Australia—anywhere that you can see the sky—is something that people will notice, something that families will rely on and something that could save lives. I know that personally. Many years ago, as a teacher, I was travelling along the Arnhem Highway to Darwin for a professional development weekend. It was early in the season. The road had only just reopened.”
“This weekend I'm excited and looking forward to celebrating that message at Home Hill in Devonport—where Joe Lyons also lived, just for our Labor crew here, well, for everyone—where families will gather for a special event, encouraging parents and grandparents to read aloud to their children every day. It's a simple idea, but it can change lives because, when adults read to children, they're not just sharing a story; they're building language, building imagination and building the confidence children need to succeed at school and beyond. My message is simple: please read aloud to the children in your life every single day because sometimes the smallest daily habit can make the biggest difference to a child's future.”
“Yet, despite this, only around one in four Australian parents is actually getting that time to read aloud regularly with their children, which means that too many young Australians are missing out on those really key experiences. Across the country there are remarkable community organisations working to fix that. Local library groups, which are absolutely fantastic, and groups such as Toast for Kids, Rosie's Reading and the Lighthouse Toowoomba are helping families access books and encouraging parents and carers to read with children every single day. Their work shows that supporting literacy is not just the job of schools; it is something that communities—and we—can do together.”
“It helps children develop vocabulary, comprehension, and social and emotional skills. Those benefits can begin as early as infancy. We need words to be able to share our thoughts, feelings and needs. A broad vocabulary is integral to this lifelong wellbeing. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare notes that reading regularly with young children stimulates patterns of brain development, strengthens the bond between parent and child and builds language and literacy skills that children will need to succeed at school. We also know that Australian children value this time. Research also shows us that 86 per cent of Australian children say they love having books read aloud to them at home because it creates that special time with parents and carers.”
“Today I want to talk about something that is simple but can have an extraordinary impact on a child's life: reading aloud. Before entering this place I worked as a teacher and spent many years supporting students through literacy intervention, from prep right through to year 12 and beyond. Through that work I saw firsthand the difference that early exposure to books and stories can make. Children who grow up hearing stories, language and conversation arrive at school ready to learn. But children who miss those experiences can spend years trying to catch up. The research in Australia is very clear. Studies on early language exposure show that children who are read to regularly hear well over one million more words before they start school than children who are rarely read to. Shared reading is so important.”
“My question is to the Prime Minister. How is the Albanese Labor government investing in bulk-billing and strengthening Medicare for every Australian after a decade of cuts and neglect? How have the government's policies been aimed at correcting past policy mistakes?”
“To our musicians, event organisers, volunteers, technicians and creatives: I want you to know that I see you, I value the work you do and I recognise the commitment you show—often behind the scenes, often unpaid—and the enormous contribution you make to our community in bringing our community together. To Tasmania's art community: I back you. Thank you for what you give, and thank you for the joy you bring to so many.”
“At a time when isolation and disconnection are common, these experiences remind us that we belong to something bigger. I take this opportunity to thank Tasmania's arts community. It is a small but deeply passionate group of people who often seem to wear two, three or sometimes even more hats across multiple organisations. They do it not for recognition but because they believe in the power of art, music and storytelling to bring people together. And let me say this clearly: we punch well above our weight in Tasmania when it comes to the arts.”
“Tourists have not just visited but stayed, explored and invested in our local community. These events have supported jobs, small businesses and regional growth. Culturally, they've also sent a powerful message, particularly to young Tasmanians—that a career in music and the arts is still tough but possible, and that creative talent does not have to leave the state to be recognised or valued. At Party in the Paddock alone, around half the artists in the line-up were Tasmanian. That matters. It shows confidence in local talent and creates pathways for the next generation of musicians, technicians and creatives. Socially, the benefits are harder to measure but just as important. Over the past few weeks I have seen strangers become friends, old mates reconnect, families dance together and communities share moments of laughter and joy.”
“Governments at all levels have stepped in to support the arts sector—not always in the same way or for the same events, but with a shared understanding that these moments matter. The federal government provided $200,000 to Party in the Paddock to ensure accessibility was done properly so that people of all abilities could enjoy the event. I've also been told repeatedly how critical the Revive Live grants have been in helping our arts and music industry stay afloat during some of the most challenging times it has ever faced. This support isn't just about keeping events on a calendar; it is about what these moments create. Economically, the impact on Northern Tasmania has been undeniable. Accommodation has sold out. Restaurants, cafes and local producers have seen increased demand.”
“The following weekend saw Festivale light up Launceston, with an incredible line-up featuring artists such as Thelma Plum, Jess Mauboy, Boy and Bear, British India and Grinspoon. Just this past weekend, Party in the Paddock delivered yet another epic celebration of live music headlined by major national and international acts alongside many of Tasmania's own artists. On top of that, Music in the Park continues each Sunday in Launceston, giving families and friends a space to gather, unwind and ease into the week ahead. These events do not happen by accident. We've all heard how challenging it is and how hard it has become to run major events in a post-COVID world. Rising costs, logistical hurdles and uncertainty have made it harder than ever for organisers, artists and crews to keep live music alive.”
“In a world where many of us are feeling increasingly lost, overwhelmed or disheartened, I want to take a moment this evening to reflect on something that has brought real joy, connection and hope to my local community. Over the past three weekends, I've had the absolute pleasure of seeing firsthand how music brings people together—how it creates happiness, builds memories and reminds us of our shared humanity. In those moments, standing among thousands of people, you can feel the weight lift—even if just for a little while. Without a doubt, Northern Tasmania has absolutely been the best place to be over the past month. It began with a one-off world-class performance by the Foo Fighters, supported by local and Australian artists, drawing people from across the state and beyond.”
“Our investment is targeted, our reform is real and our expectation is clear: better outcomes for all students. I commend this motion to the House.”
“That momentum matters. But it will only continue if this investment is delivered as intended. The Commonwealth is stepping up. We are providing the funding, the national leadership and the reform framework required, and now it's the states and territories that must ensure that this investment reaches the classrooms, supports the teachers and makes a real difference in the communities that need it the most. Education is a shared national responsibility, and it works best when governments work together and we stay focused on the outcomes. When schools thrive they spark excellence. They bring pride and purpose for students. Teachers feel empowered and our communities grow stronger. That is what this investment is about, and that is a responsibility that we all share.”
“It should also mean that remote schools are never again forced to choose, such as mine was, between paying the water bill and fixing our ageing computers, because access to a quality education should never depend on the postcode in which you live. This funding is not a blank cheque; it is tied to reforms that we know lift outcomes. We know stronger literacy and numeracy foundations are required. We know the evidence-based teaching that works and we have targeted support for the students who need it most. It is about making sure that children catch up, keep up and finish school with real options ahead of them, whether that's free TAFE, university or entry into the workforce. And we are seeing signs of progress. More people are choosing to study teaching, more are starting their degrees and more are being supported to finish them.”
“And it should mean that teachers are properly supported to do their jobs, that they no longer need to buy basic classroom resources out of their own pockets or to quietly keep cupboards of food stocked at their own expense because they know that many of their children are arriving at school very hungry. It'll mean that new teachers are welcomed, supported and valued so that they see teaching not as a short-term sacrifice but as a respected long-term profession. And it should mean that experienced teachers can stay in the classroom with manageable workloads, time to rest and the space to be present with their own families rather than burning out under constant pressure.”
“When I think about what this funding must deliver I think about the outcomes that it can and should make possible. It should mean that children who need that extra support in the early years receive it, early, before they fall behind. We know that timely intervention will build confidence, improve learning outcomes and strengthen a child's sense of self-worth for life. It should mean that students feel safe at school, supported by clear national action to prevent and respond to bullying, and that schools are backed to act quickly and consistently when concerns arise. It should mean that students facing mental health challenges can access a school counsellor, social worker or psychologist when they need it, not after months or years on a waiting list.”
“I've seen teachers being expected to make do, to improvise or to pay for these essentials themselves. I've worked in remote schools where staff were forced to make impossible choices about what could be afforded and what could not. That is why the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement matters. Through this agreement the Albanese Labor government is delivering an additional $16.5 billion in Commonwealth funding to public schools over the next decade—the largest new investment in public schools by any Australian government ever. The funding is long term, it is reform-linked and it is designed to reach classrooms, not the upper echelons of the education departments. The investment is not abstract, it's not theoretical; it is about meeting the needs in classrooms, staff rooms and school communities across our country.”
“It feels strange to me to be standing here in February. For the past 14 years, February has meant something very different to me. Every February I was welcoming new students in the classrooms, learning their names and their stories, and working closely with families to understand what each child would need to succeed that year. Some years I was teaching directly; other years I was supporting early-career teachers, helping them to build their confidence and develop the skills they needed to support students with additional needs, students learning English as an additional language or dialect, and students who required extra care and understanding. At the start of a school year I've walked into classrooms with no mat, no puzzles, no games and no basic resources to teach literacy.”
“We are committed to safeguarding Australia's children and supporting the critical services that will deliver this early intervention, this response and these healing and recovery services to stop the intergenerational cycle of violence. I thank Laurel House. I thank Kathryn and her team for their leadership, their professionalism and their ongoing commitment to supporting our community when that support is needed most.”
“This work is essential in ensuring people feel safe, seek help and know that they are not alone. I want to acknowledge the dedicated staff who carry out this work. Supporting people who've experienced trauma requires exceptional skill, resilience and care. The professionalism and compassion shown by the Laurel House team make a profound difference in the lives of those they support and strengthen our community as a whole. Unfortunately, organisations like Laurel House are an essential part of our social infrastructure at this time, but I am pleased that the federal Labor government has recently awarded $551,000 in federal government funding. This funding will expand their crucial work of responding to victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.”
“Their work supports people of all ages, helping individuals and families navigate recovery while also working proactively to prevent harm and to build safer communities. What stood out to me during my visit was Laurel House's unwavering commitment to dignity, choice and safety. Their approach recognises that healing looks different for everyone and that people deserve to be met with understanding, respect and compassion at every step. Laurel House creates spaces where people feel heard, supported and empowered to move forward at their own pace. Beyond direct service delivery, Laurel House also plays a vital role in education and community engagement. By working with schools, organisations and the broader community, they help to raise awareness, challenge stigma and strengthen our collective response to sexual harm.”
“I'd like to begin by acknowledging the essential role Laurel House plays in supporting our community, providing critical and compassionate services to individuals, families and communities across Northern Tasmania. I recently had the pleasure of visiting Laurel House and meeting with the CEO, Kathryn, spending time learning more about the vital work that they do every day. It was an invaluable opportunity to see firsthand the care, the professionalism and the empathy that underpin their services and to better understand both the impact Laurel House has within our community and the challenges that they continue to navigate. Laurel House provides specialist support services for people affected by sexual harm, delivering trauma informed counselling, therapeutic services and support, education and prevention programs.”
“My question is to the Treasurer. What do today's inflation figures tell us, and how do the Albanese Labor government's efforts to provide cost-of-living help for people doing it tough compare to other approaches?”
“We will keep taking steps—practical, meaningful steps—guided by those who will be impacted by the decisions that we make here.”
“We're backing it up with real, practical support like the Commonwealth Prac Payment, so future teachers, nurses, social workers and midwives can finally get paid while on placement. We've also expanded the FEE-FREE Uni Ready courses, opening the door to people who never would have thought that university was for them. We're doubling the number of university study hubs, bringing higher education closer to home, especially in the regions. This isn't just about helping people pay off debt; it's about helping more people start study, finish it and thrive beyond that. Most importantly, it's about listening, because the people who know what's needed are the ones who are living it. As Michael from Bass said: It makes me feel like I'm one step closer to avoiding a lifetime of debt.”
“It's hard to make ends meet during study, let alone after. This reduction will help with cash flow and stability. And that's what this change is really about; it's about giving people that breathing space and some hope, and it's also recognising the pressures that they're carrying every day. We know it won't fix everything. Deirdre told me: Raising the repayment threshold means more to me on a practical level than actually wiping the 20 per cent off. That's money that I have to then go towards essentials and bills. I guess it's just one less thing that is constantly squeezing in at me. Elias put it very bluntly: It makes me want to look at the debt with something other than dread. This is just one of our steps, and it's certainly not the last.”
“It shows that the government truly cares about education and is taking meaningful action to make it more sustainable for the future. Many students work incredibly hard to balance university studies and part-time jobs, often under too much pressure. Between bills, rent and loan repayments it can be overwhelming, and this reduction recognises just how tough that balance can be for many people. Lucy reflected on the long-term burden: This incentive shows the great burden student debts can be—not only immediately but also the long term effects. When you're spending years paying off student debt, it can delay the ability to buy a home and other life decisions. Laura, an incredible teacher that I had the privilege of working with previously, said: This reduction gives me more breathing room to cover my mortgage and costs.”
“I have to pay a $1,000 registration fee each year on top of my HECS— her repayments— I won't own a house any time soon, so a 20% reduction would be grand. I look forward to telling Maddison about our five per cent home deposit scheme. Tiffany-Rose has spoken to me about the emotional weight: It won't wipe my balance completely, but it motivates me to keep working towards paying it off. The reduced repayments will ease some financial stress and make it easier to stay on top of cost of living costs without feeling like my debt is controlling my budget. Montana told me that this relief is real: A 20% reduction isn't just a number, it's a real acknowledgement of the financial challenges that university students and graduates face every day.”